One of the world’s largest and most well-known ski resorts, Whistler is located at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
For many years, Whistler was a small logging and mining town with one resort, the Rainbow Lodge, located along Alta Lake.
The construction of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway in the early 1900s was a turning point in Whistler’s history; connected to points beyond the valley, Whistler soon developed into the most popular resort area west of the Rocky Mountains.
Since that time, Whistler has evolved into one of the most spectacular winter destinations in the world.
Revered for its stunning alpine beauty, Whistler is a beloved destination for skiers. The largest ski area in North America, Whistler is home to more than 200 trails as well as 8,171 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain.
In 2010, Whistler hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, an event that cemented the area’s reputation as a premier winter vacation spot.
But Whistler’s charms are hardly limited to the winter. It’s a strikingly beautiful place at any time of the year, and there is no shortage of diversions in the summer months. Mountain biking has become increasingly popular in recent years and Whistler boasts one of the best mountain bike parks in the world.
Summer visitors can also enjoy ziplining, hiking, kayaking, and four championship golf courses.
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the largest lift of its kind in the world, provides nature-lovers with an incredible birds’-eye view of Whistler’s legendary natural beauty. In short, any time of year is a good time to visit Whistler.
It’s hard to imagine now, but Whistler had no road access, electricity or running water until the 1960s. It was only a few years later, in the 1970s, that plans were made for the Village, the pedestrian-only town center. Widely praised for its architecture and pristine attractiveness, the Village offers visitors a wide variety of retail outlets, including upscale chains as well as mom-and-pop establishments run by friendly locals, and numerous restaurants and bars. There’s a lively nightlife in the Village as well, and an enviable art scene that includes the Audain Art Museum and numerous galleries.
Despite its humble beginnings, Whistler has become increasingly regarded as a high-end destination with an array of luxury accommodations to suit every traveler’s taste. We’ve whittled down the long list of opulent digs to make choosing your Whistler stay a bit easier.
Top 7 Luxury Hotels in Whistler
Here are our top picks for the best luxury hotels in Whistler, BC:
- Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler
- The Westin Resort & Spa
- Nita Lake Lodge
- Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel Whistler
- Pan Pacific Village Centre
- Sundial Hotel
Continue reading for an overview of each.
1. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
The Four Seasons name is synonymous with elegance and luxury, and the Four Seasons Resort and Residences is no exception. It’s one of the pricier options in Whistler, but many visitors to Whistler feel that the amenities and level of service that come with a stay at the Four Seasons is worth it.
A bit removed from the Village; the Four Seasons offers guests a peaceful retreat among the breathtaking scenery of Whistler. The rooms are newly updated, and the property features the kind of special touches travelers expect from the brand, such as a ski concierge and a decadent spa.
Past guests at the Four Seasons give the hotel high marks for its spacious rooms and comfortable beds, and the rooms featuring mountain views are highly recommended. All rooms feature designer toiletries and flat screen TVs.
Many guests praise the friendly and attentive staff, as well as the ability to communicate with staff via live chat. For relaxation, the property features a heated pool as well as several hot tubs, and the Canadian maple syrup and brown sugar scrub at the hotel’s spa is a favorite of guests. The Sidecut restaurant is also well-liked, if a tad on the pricey side.
Complaints about the property are relatively minor. Some guests felt that the pool was often overcrowded with children. Others noted long lines for valet parking, which is expensive and the only option at the property. A house car is available, but some guests felt there was too long a wait. Others felt that the WiFi was too slow.
Nestled in an Instagram-worthy alpine setting, the Four Seasons is a classic choice to create holiday memories with loved ones.
2. Fairmont Chateau Whistler
The main competitor of the Four Seasons, the award-winning Fairmont Chateau is a sprawling, 550-room property located in the Upper Village. With stunning mountain views, the hotel offers a wide range of luxury amenities, including daily yoga classes, the Whistler Experience guided tours, as well as babysitting and the use of a hotel shuttle and courtesy vehicle.
Guests of the Fairmont Chateau had few complaints about the property. A few noted that the valet service was slow, and the ski rental service was understaffed. One previous guest felt the concierge was not helpful.
Praise for the property is far more common, and many guests had only positive things to say about the concierge and the ski rental staff. Guests at the Fairmont love the pool, Jacuzzis, and sauna. Daily hot chocolate and cider are also favorites of visitors to the hotel, as is the art and décor. Many guests praised the comfortable beds and the showers that release essential oils. Pet owners will be welcome at the Fairmont; it’s a dog-friendly property, a feature that many past guests noted appreciatively. The hotel’s Gold rooms earned particularly high praise, especially the spectacular mountain views, soaker tubs, and separate sitting rooms.
With so many luxury touches, the Fairmont provides visitors to Whistler with an indulgent stay in a remarkable setting.
3. Westin Resort & Spa
Located in the heart of the Village, the Westin Resort & Spa hosted the athletes of the 2010 Olympics, and non-medalists are certain to find it to their liking. The resort has more than 400 rooms that cater to different budgets without compromising on luxury. All rooms are large and perfect for family holidays.
Recent guests at the property have noted a few problems with property, however. Some found that their rooms either had no toiletries or that toiletries had not been filled. Others complained that they were made to wait beyond the designated check-in time to be checked in to their rooms. One guest felt that customer service at the hotel was lacking.
But the Westin had many more positive reviews. Its location, understandably, is one of the reasons that it’s one of Whistler’s most popular hotels. Guests appreciate the easy access to ski lifts, restaurants, and popular sites nearby in the Village.
Others found the service at the property to be top-notch, particularly the concierge. The property’s large rooms and plush beds are also favorites, along with the homey touches the hotel offers, like hot chocolate every afternoon. The Westin is also pet-friendly, making it a popular choice for families with four-legged travelers.
4. Nita Lake Lodge
This opulent lakefront boutique hotel is located away from the hustle and bustle of the Village. Tucked away on the scenic shores of Nita Lake, this luxurious escape is a great place to relax and unwind with family.
Negative comments about Nita Lake Lodge are few and far between. A few visitors noticed worn or stained carpet and furniture and one complained of low water pressure. Some past guests noted that rooms near the elevators are noisy, and others complained of noise from the patios.
The list of things that guests love about Nita Lake Lodge is much more extensive. They rave about the lodge’s award-winning spa and its wide array of indulgent treatments. The rooftop hot tubs are a particular favorite. Guests also appreciate the lodge’s spacious rooms with soaker tubs in addition to showers. The suites are huge and feature fireplaces. The lodge also provides a shuttle service and complimentary paddle boards and canoes, both services that visitors at the property praised. Nita Lake Lodge welcomes canine guests, as well.
With so many top-notch services and amenities, Nita Lake Lodge is definitely on the top of our must stay places.
5. Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel Whistler
One of Whistler’s quirkier and more colorful properties, the Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel is located just a few miles away from Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola and was named “Canada’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel” at the World Ski Awards.
Even award-winners can have shortcomings, however. Guests at the Summit often note its expensive parking, and many recommend finding cheaper parking nearby. Others felt the décor was a bit dated and that the elevators were slow. Some complained that the pool and hot tub were crowded, and one guest noted that there was noise from the hallway.
Parking at the Summit might be a bit pricey, but guests did appreciate that there were plenty of spaces available. The rooms at the Summit are particularly popular with guests, who like the fun, colorful décor and stuffed sock monsters that are tucked away in each room. Visitors to the Summit appreciate the Malin + Goetz toiletries as well as the iPad in each room.
Suites at the Summit feature a kitchenette stocked with everything guests need to cook for themselves if they choose, but there are restaurants on the property, including the popular Elements, where the breakfast is a guest favorite. The staff at the Summit garners high marks with guests, who appreciate the ability to communicate with the front desk via text. Another popular feature of the Summit is the ability to rent bikes in the same building, but for guests who are all about skiing, a shuttle to the slopes is available.
Combining laid-back luxury with thoughtful amenities, this upbeat, modern hotel is a great choice for a holiday in Whistler.
6. Pan Pacific Village Centre
There are two Pan Pacific properties in Whistler, this being the second. Its name is a bit misleading, as it is located at a short remove from the Village, just enough distance to give it the feel of a quiet mountain retreat. The atmosphere at the hotel is one of welcoming elegance.
Though the property is situated in a stunning location and the building itself is lovely, guests have experienced more issues with the Pan Pacific Village Centre than are typically common in an upscale property. Some have noted that they had no help in loading or unloading luggage.
Others noted that calls to the front desk went unanswered, and one commented that the staff was rude and unhelpful. Guests experienced several problems with the rooms themselves, including a worn mattress, appliances that did not work, stained carpet, and street noise (including snowplows) on the lower levels.
Most alarming, however, was the experience of a guest who had problems with his fob: his own did not work, and at another point during his stay, other guests were able to mistakenly enter his room with their fobs. Some rooms feature the fold-up Murphy beds, which seems an odd choice for an upscale property. Other guests complained that ski storage at the property was crowded.
Other guests had a positive experience at the Pan Pacific, noting that its location was idyllic and ski transfers were easy and quick. Some found the rooms to be spacious and clean and the staff to be very helpful. Several visitors praised the hotel’s bicycle valet, its in-room recycling and composting bins, the well-stocked kitchens, and its complimentary breakfasts. The Raven Room bar is also popular with guests at the Pan Pacific.
7. Sundial Hotel
Located at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, the Sundial Hotel is arguably one of the most elegantly appointed properties among the area’s many luxury hotels. Its top-notch staff are praised for the helpfulness and attention to detail. In fact, visitors to the Sundial have overwhelmingly positive things to say about their time there.
If guest reviews are any indication (and they are, of course) the Sundial may be the best-run property in Whistler. One guest complained of closet doors that needed repairs and a few noted that the noise from the downstairs bar was too loud.
The list of things visitors liked about the Sundial is considerably longer. Its location and jaw-dropping views are a favorite. Smaller than most other properties on this list, the Sundial offers a homey, intimate space that many guests found attractive. All rooms feature kitchenettes and fireplaces, and some of the larger suites also have balconies and private hot tubs. A rooftop hot tub is available for all guests. Free ski storage is available along with a ski valet. The Sundial also provides GoPros for guests’ use as well as sleds and bikes.
Other guests appreciated the Aveda toiletries and the complimentary bottle of wine. Finally, the Sundial’s friendly, welcoming staff and the ability to communicate with them via text round out the list of guests’ favorite things about the property.
Wrapping Up: Best Luxury Hotels Whistler Has to Offer
While some may consider it largely a ski resort, we think Whistler is a perfect destination at any time of the year.
There’s something here for everyone, in any season, no matter what your interests are. And even if your plan is only to relax and take in some unbelievable views, you’re not likely to find a place that can beat Whistler’s stunning natural beauty.
If any of the hotels on our list seem perfect for your Whistler getaway, they can be booked at booking.com or hotels.com.